Once again we are talking about periods. So, dudes, if you’re squeamish, you can go now…
I’ve spoken about my love for the Diva cup. 9 months and going strong! I’ve purchased some Softcups to aid with conception but I’ve tried them for the period and I’ve found them lacking. Perhaps that’s just me. So, today I’m going to talk about another useful product for “Aunt Flo:” Momma cloth, or reusable cloth panty liners and pads.
I’ve only tried two brands: Lunapads and Talulah Bean. Since I now have enough liners, I don’t plan on buying more but I can at least provide you some reviews for the ones I’ve tried. As usual, this is not a sponsored post and I have not been recompensed in any way for what I say. Also, the pictures here are from the company websites, not my own.
I started with Lunapads. Obviously, it was a big change to go from conventional, commercial, disposable liners to cloth ones. So, at first I was surprised by how bulky they were. Also, they seemed rather large. These only offer one snap for securing to underwear and let’s face it: panties are not one size fits all. One aspect I liked was that they had an organic option and thong options. That’s what I purchased. It did take a little while to get used to but, other than the bulkiness, I have no complaints. No leaks at all but I only use these as a backup to the cup. I was happy with the Lunapads well enough but not completely satisfied and I needed a larger supply. So, it was onto Talulah Bean.
I’d read some reviews and Talulah Bean offers the Minky Bean liners and pads. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want something super soft against their lady bits? So I ordered a few different kinds: the Minky Bean liner, the Minky Bean trim, and the Green Bean trim (the organic option). The fabric certainly is soft and I like the fabric design options more at Talulah Bean. The liners are far longer than the liners from Lunapads and unfortunately, there was no thong option. The trim pads are even longer than the liners. I think a 7 inch option instead of the 8 and 9.5 inch options plus a thong option would be great.
A great thing about these is that there are two snaps on each pad so they can be sized better. I didn’t find them much bulkier than the Lunapads but since they are longer and not shaped for thongs, then yes, they do fit bulkier. However, they are very comfortable. As with the Lunapads, no leaks to speak of and they are still just backups to the cup.
So, I will say, I’m not 100% happy with either pad but I am satisfied enough to keep using them. With the Lunapads, I intend to add my own second snap to help them fit better. For the Talulah Beans, they are particularly good for night or heavy flow backup. I think for particularly active times, the Lunapad would be better, since it is thinner and better fitting. As with the menstrual cup, reusable pads are far easier to deal with than disposables. I’ve never actually needed to put it to the test, but I carry a wet bag from Planet Wise with me and it has a pocket to stow fresh pads in addition to the pocket for soiled items. I also carry Wysi Wipes in case of need, though so far, the Diva cup hasn’t failed me enough to ever need them.
However, on the upside for all of these, is that once again they are FAR BETTER for the environment! They don’t create much extra laundry so you aren’t really using any more water than you would with your normal laundry load. They are far better for your body because you wash them in your (I can only assume by now you’ve switched) homemade laundry detergent and you aren’t putting pesticides and rough materials against your lady bits. Plus you decrease what goes into the landfill. Hopefully, in time, this will mean a decrease in the manufacture of disposable feminine products, which will hopefully be better for cotton crops and other raw materials that are made into those products. It’s all a big cycle of supply and demand. If we demand reusable, consciously made products that are safer for our bodies and safer for the environment, commercial companies will have to listen. *Leaves soapbox*